Compact and the like



y 8, 1934- H. w. JEFFRIES El AL 1,957,650

COMPACT AND THE LIKE Filed July 1, 1932 Yy Mm @MHWJ Fatented May 8, 1934 COMPACT AND THE LIKE Application July 1, 1932, Serial No. 620,458

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to loose powder containers or dispensers and more in particular to such containers or dispensers for use as vanity cases.

At the present time face powder for vanity cases is sold in two forms, namely, solid or cake form, over which the pufi is wiped, or in the form of loose powder. The cake form is particularly convenient in that the same may be car ried around without danger of spilling or discharge or" an excess of powder, although the cake form has the disadvantage that small particles of grit may be p esent in the binder used therefor which may adhere to the puff and scratch the face. Because of its compactness, this powder in cake form necessarily has to include binding material as well as heavy material forming the bulk of the powder, both of which elements or materials are far more objectionable and injurious than loose powder, when applied to the skin. Even though loose powder has distinct advantages over powder in cake form, the same has never been used successfully inasmuch as when carried around in a box or container which is opened on raising the lid, the powder is subed to wind currents which may blow the same the clothing of the user, and further, because of the danger that the puff will take up excess of powder, which excess easily shakes or? onto the clothing.

it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel loose powder dispenser for use as a vanity case wherein suitable means is Jrovided for feeding small quantities of loose powder into a position for use, and as desired, so that there is no danger of spilling the supply of powder or exposing the same to wind currents. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel loose powder dispenser including an apertured case member providing a powder chamber within which suitable means is proided which is adapted to feed small quantities of powder from the supply in the chamber thrdugh the aperture and in a position for use.

The present invention contemplates the idea of providing a novel dispenser for use as a vanity case, including an apertured case member formed with a chamber for receiving a supply of loose powder, the aperture th reof being adapted to be normally closed when the dispenser is not being used, suitable. means being provided in the chamher for feeding small quantities of powder through the aperture when in an open position, whereby the powder is in a position for use.

Still another object is to provide a novel dispenser adapted for use as a vanity case, which has an apertured case member provided with means for normally closing the apertures, which provides a chamber for holding a supply of powder, within which is disposed means for feeding small quantities of powder through the aperture when open, novel means being provided for closing said aperture and moving the powder feeding means into a powder receiving position.

The present invention also contemplates the idea of providing a novel dispenser adapted for use as a vanity case, including relatively movable case members, one of which members is adapted to simultaneously move the means for closing the aperture and for operating the powder feeding means. More particularly, the present invention contemplates the idea of providing means for closing the aperture closing means and for moving the powder feeding means into a powder receiving position when the case members are in their closed position.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel dispenser particularly adapted for use as a vanity case having relatively movable case members, one of which is formed with means for operating the aperture closing means as well as the powder feeding means.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel dispenser adapted for use as a vanity case which is formed with an apertured case member providing a powder chamber, novel means being yieldably mounted within said chamber and being movable from a powder receiving position into registry with said aperture for feeding small qauntities of powder therethrough in a position for use.

The present invention still further contemplates the idea of movably mounting such means upon yieldable means whereby the same is normally urged into registry with the aperture for the case member.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide novel means in a vanity case or the like, for feeding loose powder, which is in the form of a grid member having portions thereof depressed for receiving powder, and other portions thereof so formed as to be movable through a mass of loose powder and into a powder receiving position.

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages are comprehended by the invention, as will later appear and as are inherently possessed thereby.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a loose powder dispenser made in accordance with the present invention and disclosing the same in open position;

Figure 2 is a view in cross section taken in a plane represented by line 22 of Figure 1 of the drawing:

Figure 3 is a view in horizontal cross section taken in a plane represented by line 3-3 of Figure 2 of the drawing;

Figure 4 is a view in cross section similar to Figure 2 of the drawing disclosing the dispenser in closed position;

Figure 5 is a view in perspective of the powder feeding means disclosed in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive;

Figure 6 is a view in cross section of another dispenser made in accordance with the present invention and disclosing the same in an open position;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary view in cross section similar to that of Figure 6 of the drawing disclosing the dispenser in closed position;

Figure 8 is a view in cross section taken in a plane represented by line 88 of Figure 6 of the drawing; and

Figure 9 is a view in perspective of a powder feeding means for the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 6 to 8 inclusive.

Referring now more in detail to the drawing, an embodiment selected to illustrate the present invention is shown as comprising a case member 2 formed with side walls and base and a top 4 which may be either integral or formed so as to be removable therewith, whereby loose powder may be introduced into a powder chamber 6, this case member 2 having another case member 8 secured thereto as by means of hinges 10 whereby the two case members may be brought into a closed position, as shown in Figure 4, any suitable means being provided for holding the same in this closed position.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, the top plate 4 is formed with a series of spaced slots 12 which may be closed by a shutter member 14 normally supported for movement upon the ledges or flanges 16 and 18 secured to opposite sides of the case member 2. This shutter member 14 is formed with a series of slots, such as 20, substantially of the same size as the slots 12 of the top plate 4 and which are adapted to be moved into registry with these slots 12 of the top plate 4 when the case member 8 is in the position as shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive of the drawing. This shutter member 14 is urged into a position whereby the slots 28 thereof register with the slots 12 of the top plate 4 as by means of a leaf spring 22 supported upon a shelf 24 secured to one of the side walls of the case member 2, the shutter member 14 being limited in its movement, as by means of the upstanding triangular end portion 26 of a bracket or ledge 27 secured in any desired manner to the rear wall of the case 2. This end portion terminates in a point in order to prevent accumulations of powder between the same and the shutter member 14.

Disposed within the powder chamber 6 is a grid or other powder feeding member 28 which comprises a plurality of elongated powder carrying portions 30 integrally connected by the side portions 32 and 34. Extending laterally of the grid and substantially opposite the centrally disposed portion 30 are trunnions 36 and 38, each of which is formed with an upstanding lug 35 for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully disclosed. Each of these powder carrying portions 30 is substantially V-shaped in cross section, the upper surface thereof being depressed, as clearly shown in Figures 2 and 4 of the drawing, for receiving and holding small quantities of powder thereon and for moving the same into approximately the level of the top plate 4. The grid member 28 is movable from the position as shown in Figure 2 of the drawing into the position as shown in Figure 4 of the drawing, and in order that the same may be conveniently moved through the powder without compacting the same, these powder carrying portions 30 have their lower edge substantially knife-like in construction to easily cut through this powder. The side portions 32 and 34, as well as the trunnions 36 and 38 between the side portions and upstanding lugs are diamond shaped in cross-section in order that these portions may pass through the powder upon movement of the grid 28 and to prevent accumulation of powder thereon.

The grid member 28 is trunnioned as by means of the trunnion portions 36 and 38 on the ends 40 and 42 of the yieldable U-shaped spring member 44, this spring member 44 being preferably formed from wire or some other like material. This spring member 44 is loosely journaled in spaced bearing members 46 and 48 adjacent the bend forming the end portions 40 and 42, and the centrally disposed spaced bearing members 50 and 52, the central portion of the U-shaped spring member 44 adjacent these latter bearings being bent as shown at 54, which bent portion is adapted to be disposed between the plate 27 and the top plate 4. It will therefore be clearly seen that because of the loose supporting relation between the spring member 44 and the bearings 46, 48, 50 and 52, movement of the grid 28 from the position as shown in Figure 2 of the drawing to that as shown in Figure 4 of the drawing, is resisted by means of torsional stresses in the wire 44 adjacent and between the bearings 46 and 48. The end portions 40 and 42 likewise no); for urging this grid into its feeding position. Upon a release of this grid member 28 from the position as shown in Figure 4 of the drawing, the same is urged by these torsional forces and the like into its raised position as shown in Figure 2 of the drawing.

In the embodiment as disclosed in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, suitable means is provided for moving the shutter member 14 simultaneously with the movement of the grid member 28, whereby the latter may be moved into a powder receiving position at the same time that the slots 12 of the top plate 4 are closed by this shutter member. Such means in the present embodiment is disclosed as comprising cam members 58 and. 60 suitably secured to opposite sides of the case member 8, and which are adapted to project through slots 62 and 64, respectively, in the top plate member 4. When the grid member 28 is in the position as shown in Figure 2 of the drawing, slots 68 and 70 which are formed in the shutter member 14 are adapted to have a portion thereof in registry with slots 62 and 64, respectively, of the top plate 4.

In this position of the grid, the upstanding lugs 35 thereof are adapted to enter the opening formed by the registering slots, which, together with adjacent portions of the shutter member, provide means for closing the slots 62 and 64 to prevent loss of powder therethrough. The cam members 58 and 60 are each formed with a cam surface 66 adapted to engage these portions defining the end of slots 68 and 70 which are provided in the shutter member 14 and which are adapted to be moved into registry with the slots 62 and 64, respectively.

In operation, the dispenser disclosed is normally carried in a closed position as shown in Figure 4 of the drawing, at which time the cam members 58 and 60 protrude through the registering slots 62 and 68, and 64 and '70 of the top plate 4 and shutter member 14, respectively, and engage with the lugs 35 for holding the grid 28 inits powder receivingposition adjacent the base of the case member 2, the shutter member. being engaged by the cam surfaces 66 and moved thereby into its closed position. When a quantity of powder is desired, the case member 8 may be moved into a position as shown in Figure 2 .of the drawing, at which time the shutter. member 14, under the impulse of the leaf spring22, is urged into abutting relation with the upstanding end 26 whereby the slots thereof register with the slots 12 of the top plate. This movement of the shutter member 14 is so timed in relation to the movement of the grid member 28 under the impulse of the torsional forces and the like in the yieldable member 44 that the powder supporting portion thereof will register with the registering slots 20 and 12 so that the small quantities of powder positioned on the depressed upper surface thereof will protrude above the top surface of the plate 4 and in a position for use. The powder may then be removed as by means of a powder puff 01 the like, and applied as desired. After thepowder has been removed from the powder carrying portions 39, further quantities of powder may be fed in a position for use by means of closing of the case member 8, whereupon the same may be slightly shaken and then opened again. Upon a closure of the case member 8, the cam members 58 and 60 engage with the lugs 35 of the trunnion members 32 and 34, respectively, and the cam surfaces 66 engage with the ends of the slots 68 and 70 of the shutter member'14, whereby the grid 28 is moved into its lowermost powder receiving position and the shutter is moved into its closed position. The powder compartment or chamber 6 is thereby sealed and danger of losing powder is entirely eliminated.

In Figures 6 to 9 inclusive is disclosed an alternative arrangement for a loose powder container or dispenser, and the same comprises a case member 72 to which is secured another case member 74 hinged thereto as at 76. As in the previous embodiment, the case member '72 is formed with a powder chamber 78 and has a top plate 89 which may be formed integral therewith or separate, as desired, this top plate 80 being provided with a plurality or series of slots 82. The apertures of this top plate 80 are normally closed when the case members '72 and 74 are in their closed position by means of a shutter member 84 suitably supported upon flanges or ledges, such as 16 and 18 of the hereinbefore disclosed embodiment, and the same is provided with a plurality or series of slots 36 which are normally urged into registry with the slots 82 as by means of a leaf spring 88 corresponding to the leaf spring 22.

In this embodiment, small quantities of powder are fed from the chamber through the registering slots 82 and 86 as by means of a grid 90 of framelike construction, and which has a series of powder carrying portions 92 of a construction similar to the powder carrying portions 30 of the grid 28 and are provided with a depressed upper surface for receiving small quantities of powder. These bearings 98 formed in the top plate 80, the grid being guided and held in place by fins or tongues 99 formed integral with the posts 94 and 9S and slidable in suitable grooves or slots provided in the bearings 98. These posts 94 and 96 are suitably secured to an angle member 100 between which and the base of the case member '72 is provided a leaf spring 102 normally urging the grid member so from its lowermost position, as shown Figure 7, to its uppermost position, as shown in Figure 6 or" the drawing. In order to prevent powder from the chamber '78 from contacting with the spring 102, the same is separated from the chamber by a partition 101 which likewise serves as a guide member for the posts 94 and 96.

Each of the guide posts 94 and 95 is formed with it a cam surface 194 against which abuts the end or edge of the shutter member 84, which serves to limit the movement of this shutter member under the impulse of the leaf spring 88. The movement of the 'grid member 90 is controlled by the opening and closing of the case member '74, and as shown in Figure 7 of the drawing, when the case member '74 is in its closed position, the grid member 99 is held in its closed position by a lug 103 secured to this case member, this lug being engageable with the angle member 100. It will be further apparent that because of the cam surfaces 104 on the guide posts 94 and 96, the shutter member is moved into position for closing the slits or slots 82 of the top plate 80, when the case member 74 is moved into a closed position, thereby completely closing the powder chamber.

When the Case member 74 is moved into its op n position, as shown in Figure 6 of the draw-- mg, the grid member 90, under the impulse of thereof register with the slots 82 of the top plate 8G. The cam surfaces 104 are so formed that this registration of the slots 86 and 82 is effected prior to the movement of the powder carrying portions 92 of the grid into registry with these registering slots. As in the hereinbefore disclosed embodiment, the small quantities of powder disposed on the top depressed surface of the portions 92 of the grid may be removed as by means of a powder puif or the like, and the above operation repeated as desired for obtaining additional quantities for use. It will also be quite apparent that upon a closing of the case member 74, the powder is completely sealed within the powder chamber, and that any possibility of losing pow der is eliminated.

While we have herein described and upon the drawing shown illustrative embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may comprehend other constructions, arrangements of parts, details and features without departing from the spirit of the invention.

We claim:

1. A grid member for a loose powder dispenser, comprising a member substantially V-shaped in cross-section and being formed with an upper depressed portion.

2. A grid member for a loose powder dispenser, comprising a member having a plurality of spaced powder supporting portions having a substantially lower knife edge and each formed with an upper depressed surface.

3. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, said case having an aperture communicating with said chamber, means normally in a powder receiving position and movable into registry with said aperture for feeding powder therethrough, and a case member movable relative to said first-named case member and having means for normally holding said means in said powder receiving position when in a closed position.

4. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, said case having an aperture communicating with said chamber, powder feeding means within said chamber and normally in a powder receiving position, said means being yieldably supported and normally urged into registry with said aperture for feeding powder therethrough, and a case member movable relative to said firstnamed case member and having means for normally holding said means in said powder receiving position when in a closed position.

5. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, said case having an aperture communicating with said chamber, a shutter member normally closing the aperture in said case member and having an aperture registrable therewith, means normally in a powder receiving position and movable into registry with said apertures for feeding powder therethrough, and a case member movable relative to said first-named case member and having means for moving said shutter member into its closed position and for normally holding said means in said powder receiving position.

6. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, said case having an aperture communicating with said chamber, a shutter member associated with said case member for normally closing the aperture of the same, said shutter having an aperture registrable with the aperture of said case member, means for urging said shutter into a position whereby said apertures are in registry, powder feeding means within said chamber and normally in a powder receiving position, means for yieldably supporting said means whereby the same is urged into registry with said apertures for feeding powder therethrough, and a case member movable relative to said first-named case member and having means for normally holding said means in said powder receiving position when in a closed position.

'7. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, said case having an aperture communicating with said chamber, a shutter member associated with said case member for normally closing the aperture of the same, said shutter having an aperture registrable with the aperture of said case member, means for urging said shutter into a position whereby said apertures are in registry, powder feeding means within said chamber and normally in a powder receiving position, means for yieldably supporting said means whereby the same is urged into registry with said apertures for feeding powder therethrough, and a case member movable relative to said first-named case member for moving said powder feeding means into a powder receiving position and for moving said shutter into its closed position.

8. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, a closure member therefor having an aperture communicating with said chamber, a flexibly mounted grid member normally in spaced relation from said aperture for receiving powder and normally urged into registry with said aperture for feeding powder therethrough, and a movable cover for said case having means for normally holding said grid member in said powder receiving position when moved into its closed position.

9. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, a closure member therefor having an aperture communicating with said chamber, a flexibly mounted grid member normally in spaced relation from said aperture for receiving powder and normally urged into registry with said aperture for feeding powder therethrough, and a movable cover for said case having means for moving said grid from its position of registry with said aperture into said powder receiving position when moved into its closed position, said grid member having a lower knife edge for enetrating said powder when so moved.

10. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, a closure member therefor having spaced elongated apertures communicating with said chamber, a flexibly mounted grid member having spaced powder feeding portions normally in spaced relation from said apertures and normally urged into registry with said apertures for feeding powder therethrough, and a movable cover for said case having means for moving said grid from its position of registry with said apertures into said powder receiving position when moved into its closed position.

11. In a loose powder dispenser, the combination of a case member having a powder chamber, a closure member therefor having spaced elongated apertures communicating with said chamber, a flexibly mounted grid member having spaced powder feeding portions normally in spaced relation from said apertures and normally urged into registry with said apertures for feeding powder therethrough, and a movable cover for said case having means for moving said grid from its position of registry with said apertures into said powder receiving position when moved into its closed position, said powder feeding portions being substantially V-shaped in cross-section whereby their lower edge is adapted to penetrate said powder when moved into powder receiving position.

HOLLY W. JEFFRIES. ARTHUR B. STEWARD. 

